ONE Championship has unveiled a stacked lineup for ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang, set to take place at the iconic Saitama Super Arena in Japan on March 23. Unlike last year’s ONE 165—which was solid but lacked the cross-promotional Japanese star power many had hoped for—this time, the promotion has secured several high-profile signings.
Shootboxing champion and former GLORY title challenger Kaito Ono faces an immediate test in his ONE debut against three-time GLORY champion Marat Grigorian.
At the same time, Nadaka Yoshinari, a multiple-time Lumpinee and Rajadamnern champion, enters the ONE stage to take on Rak Erawan in the atomweight division.
Rounding out the newcomers is Ryusei, who despite much fan-fare early in his career has yet to make a significant breakthrough. A strong performance against fan-favorite Suriyanlek on one of the year’s biggest cards could be the turning point he needs. For Suriyanlek, this will be his second professional kickboxing bout—his first being a 2019 loss to former K-1 champion and current WBO boxing world champion Yoshiki Takei.
Featherweight Muay Thai champion Tawanchai is set to challenge Japanese superstar Masaaki Noiri for the ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing world title—both fighters are coming off impressive knockout victories at ONE 170. With reigning champion Superbon sidelined after being finished by Tawanchai, the interim title clash promises fireworks.
However, Noiri’s 1-2 record in ONE has raised eyebrows, with many questioning whether he has earned a title shot.
Additionally, former world champions Jonathan Di Bella and Sam-A will battle for the ONE Interim Strawweight Kickboxing world title in a highly anticipated clash of style. Prajanchai, the current title holder returns next week to defend his Muay Thai title against Ellis Barboza.
Former bantamweight champion Hiroki Akimoto will also make his return against John Lineker. After a stint in ONE's Muay Thai division, where his momentum was stopped by Kulabdam, the heavy-hitting Brazilian fighter will try his hand at kickboxing this time around.
